In Poland, Lech Walesa wishes Romney 'success'

Mitt Romney picked up support today from Nobel Prize winner Lech Walesa, as the former president of Poland essentially endorsed his candidacy.

"I wish you to be successful because this success is needed to the United States, of course, but to Europe and the rest of the world, too. Governor Romney, get your success, be successful," Walesa said, according to translation of his remarks by an interpreter.

The Walesa comments were reported by CNN, ABC News and other news outlets.

Walesa, a former shipyard worker, helped found the Solidarity movement that helped topple communism in Poland. Romney is visiting Poland at the invitation of Walesa, who at times has had a fractious relationship with President Obama.

Obama has been criticized for reversing a Bush administration decision to develop a missile defense system in Poland.

In June, the president apologized to Poland for referring to a World War II-era "Polish death camp" when awarding a Medal of Freedom to Jan Karski. A member of the Polish resistance during World War II, Karski crossed enemy lines and told Western governments about Nazi atrocities against Jews. Obama meant to say "Nazi death camp."

Romney is in Poland, the last leg of his three-country tour overseas. He'll also visit Solidarity Square in Gdansk and deliver a speech tomorrow in Warsaw.

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About Catalina Camia

Catalina Camia leads the OnPolitics online community and has been at USA TODAY since 2005. She has been a reporter or editor covering politics and Congress for two decades, including stints at The Dallas Morning News and Congressional Quarterly. Follow her at @USATOnPolitics.